Bradford library and museum strike ‘solid’, says Unite

21 October 2019

A strike by library and museum staff in Bradford over ‘swingeing’ cuts was ‘solid’ leading to the closure of the libraries and disruption to the service, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, Unite, said today (Monday 21 October).

Today’s stoppage, involving over 50 Unite members, is the first day in a two day strike. It will then be followed by a three day strike on 5, 6, and 7 November. There will then be a four day strike between 18 and 21 November inclusively and a five day stoppage on 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 December.

There were demonstrations this morning outside Bradford’s City Library and Shipley Library where the public showed their support for the striking workers. A further two demonstrations are planned for tomorrow at Keighley Library, 1 Albert Square, Keighley, BD21 2AT from 08:30 and Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, BD20 6LQ from 11:30.

Unite has charted a decade of cuts to libraries and museums by the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council – the latest £950,000 for the year starting April 2019 and a further £1,050,000 earmarked from April 2020.

Unite regional officer Mark Fieldhouse said: “It’s clear that Bradford council bosses have underestimated the strength of feeling and resolve of our members to stand up against corrosive cuts.

“I would like to thank the public for all their support. They know the importance of Bradford’s libraries and museums to the community and recognise that you cannot deliver a service that meets the community’s needs on a shoe string.

“Our members will not be cowed or silenced. We urge council bosses to reverse the damage they have already inflicted on the service and halt any further proposals, so we can discuss a sensible way forward.”